What most babies do by 4 months and by 6 months, how to play with her, and when to talk to your health visitor or doctor.
In short
- Every baby develops at her own pace.
- Most babies laugh and roll by 6 months.
- Tell your doctor if she loses a skill.
What most babies do by 4 months
- She smiles to get your attention.
- She chuckles when you try to make her laugh.
- She coos, with sounds like "oooo" and "aahh".
- She makes sounds back when you talk to her.
- She turns her head towards your voice.
- She looks at her hands with interest.
- She holds her head steady when you hold her.
- She holds a toy when you put it in her hand.
- She brings her hands to her mouth.
- She pushes up onto her elbows on her tummy.
What most babies do by 6 months
- She knows familiar people.
- She laughs.
- She takes turns making sounds with you.
- She blows raspberries and squeals.
- She reaches to grab a toy she wants.
- She puts things in her mouth to explore them.
- She rolls from her tummy onto her back.
- She pushes up on straight arms on her tummy.
- She leans on her hands to support herself when sitting.
Babies vary. These lists show what most babies do by each age, not what all babies do. If she was born early, count her age from her due date.
How you can help
Talk to her in a sing-song voice. Copy her sounds back and wait for her reply. This teaches her to take turns. Give her toys to reach for, push and pull. Keep up her tummy time on the floor.
